The Incidental Steward: Reflections on Citizen Science

In this charming series of essays, Busch (Patience) demonstrates the ways in which volunteers in her area of Upstate New York have learned to notice the natural world around them. In the same way that Thoreau took time to examine his corner of the pond, "citizen scientists" observe and report on the wilderness near their homes. Each essay concentrates on an aspect of change, with invasive species and diseases that attack plants and animals her main focus; for instance, weeding water chestnuts that clog rivers becomes a time of reflection on the ecosystem. Busch views "mile-a-minute vines" that smother trees as a metaphor with a clear message: "[W]hen events happen too quickly, it is no good." She also notes that nature adapts to some invasive plants, like loosestrife, making it do the job of the plants it has replaced. One of the stranger newcomers is the eastern coyote, who moved from the west, interbreeding with wolves and dogs, until it became a new and variegate animal. In recounting her experience, Busch shares her considerations on nature and how individuals can use their observations to add data to scientific studies; her work is both informative and inspirational. (May)